They have had a large number of rather mysterious computer resets recently on MER-B, according to Doug McCuistion. (Some of them seem to be associated with the Mini-TES, for which reason it is now infrequently used.)

I know this might anger some of you guys...but if IDD arm is permanently stuck , then Opportunity will just have to drive a lot more...and maybe drive all the way to that awesome Victoria crater which is great isn't it?

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The scientist does not study nature because it is useful; he studies it because he delights in it, and he delights in it because it is beautiful.Jules H. Poincare

Spirit used its alpha particle X-ray spectrometer and M÷ssbauer spectrometer to observe a rock called "Joshua" on sol 150. Unfortunately, the rest of the sol's planned work with the instrument deployment device did not take place because of a command anomaly, which made Spirit think that a collision between the rock abrasion tool and the forearm might occur. Therefore, the tool change and all subsequent arm motions were prevented for the rest of the sol.

Spirit was back to business on sol 151, and finished observing Joshua and the science magnets with the tools on the instrument deployment device. After that, the rover was off, and successfully completed a 73-meter (240 feet) drive toward the Columbia Hills.

Thanks, Tesheiner, I seemed to recall an earlier anomaly but couldn't remember the details.

To confirm what we have assumed what we see, I found an MI image from Sol 002 taken with the IDD stowed; it shows the same objects in the field of view that we see now. The dust cover was open, so the image is clearer (I suspect that the dust cover now has a coating of dust). The right front wheel can be seen in the background as this image was taken before the wheels were unfolded into the working position.

Note that this problem has occurred during the 4 day Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend in the US. I assume they parked both rovers at nice outcrops and planned LONG Mossbauer integrations and the like... basically a 4 or 5 day pre-programmed sequence so people could have most of the weekend off.

Note that this problem has occurred during the 4 day Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend in the US. I assume they parked both rovers at nice outcrops and planned LONG Mossbauer integrations and the like... basically a 4 or 5 day pre-programmed sequence so people could have most of the weekend off.

AAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!! So is that waisting precious time or what...nobody looked at raw images , nobody to react because they are on holiday?I'm not trying to start another "They deserve a rest once in a while" discusion , just thinking how many of you guys would sacrifice your holidays so that you can be in control of vehicle on Mars...I would...Yes I know that it's not "just sit back and drive" but these guys are so privileged few who can DRIVE ROVERS ON ANOTHER PLANET...I would sell my soul to &$*#@ and work 365 days a year , without salary or food to have their job...are they looking for rover drivers?

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The scientist does not study nature because it is useful; he studies it because he delights in it, and he delights in it because it is beautiful.Jules H. Poincare

Note that this problem has occurred during the 4 day Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend in the US. I assume they parked both rovers at nice outcrops and planned LONG Mossbauer integrations and the like... basically a 4 or 5 day pre-programmed sequence so people could have most of the weekend off.

Spouse to Rover Driver: "Either you figure some way to drive that (expletive deleted) thing over a clifF, or I'm getting a divorce. 90 days is one thing, but nearly two years and no end in sight, I'va HAD IT!"

It's not as though they were sitting there doing nothing.. It's just a decidedly unfortunate time for a glitch.

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